U.S. Army Progressing Through AH-64E Inspections Amid Grounding

The US Army is inspecting AH-64E Apache helicopters grounded because of problems with one version of the Improved Drive System transmission, prioritizing units by mission requirements. The October 2 flight pause affects only part of the fleet, while aircraft fitted with a separate enhanced IDS version are not covered. Some helicopters have returned to flight, but the inspection and corrective-maintenance campaign is expected to take months, using procedures coordinated with Boeing and Army airworthiness authorities. Previously identified failures could interrupt accessory gearbox drive and affect tail-rotor thrust, electrical power and hydraulics, although the Army has not disclosed the number of aircraft affected.